Paige Ross
December 22, 2024
0 min read

BookBaby vs. Atmosphere Press

Choosing the right publishing partner is a crucial step in bringing your book to life. With countless options available, understanding the differences between publishers can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals. In this article, we’ll compare BookBaby and Atmosphere Press, two prominent names in the publishing industry, to help you determine which might be the better fit for your project.

BookBaby is a leading self-publishing platform known for its modular services and quick turnaround, while Atmosphere Press operates as a hybrid publisher, offering professional guidance and creative collaboration at a higher cost. We’ll analyze their offerings, pricing, royalties, publishing timelines, and more, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of each company. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer exploring new publishing avenues, this comparison will provide the insights you need to make the best choice for your book.

Key Differences Between BookBaby and Atmosphere Press

Publishing Model:
BookBaby operates as a self-publishing platform, giving authors full control over their publishing journey with à la carte services and allowing them to retain 100% of their royalties. Atmosphere Press, on the other hand, is a hybrid publisher that provides collaborative guidance throughout the publishing process but takes a 10% cut of royalties.
Pricing Structure:
BookBaby’s modular pricing allows authors to pay only for the services they need, with costs starting at approximately $2,515 for a typical project. Atmosphere Press offers comprehensive publishing packages ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, which include personalized support but may feel less flexible.
Publishing Timeline:
BookBaby boasts a quick turnaround, with books typically published within 4–8 weeks. Atmosphere Press takes a more thorough, collaborative approach, resulting in longer timelines of 4–8 months. This slower pace is ideal for authors seeking hands-on involvement in their book’s development.

Overview of BookBaby

Established in 2011, BookBaby has become a prominent name in the self-publishing industry, catering to independent authors seeking a flexible and accessible publishing solution. Known for its modular approach, BookBaby allows authors to select only the services they need, making it an attractive option for those on a budget or looking to maintain full control over their publishing journey.

BookBaby excels in offering comprehensive self-publishing services, including editing, professional cover design, formatting, Print-on-Demand (POD), and global distribution to over 50 channels such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. Authors retain 100% of their royalties, minus minor distribution fees, which makes BookBaby particularly appealing to those prioritizing earnings. With a fast production timeline of 4–8 weeks, BookBaby is ideal for authors who want to get their book to market quickly.

Despite its strengths, BookBaby’s lack of predefined packages may overwhelm authors new to self-publishing. The pricing model, while flexible, can feel confusing as authors need to navigate multiple steps to estimate their total costs. Additionally, BookBaby does not include copyright protection, and its standard book formats may be limited for authors looking for unique or unconventional options.

In short, BookBaby is a great fit for authors who value speed, control, and affordability, but it may require careful planning for those unfamiliar with self-publishing processes.

Top rated publishers:

9.5

Key Features of BookBaby

Flexible, Modular Services: Authors can select only the services they need, from editing to distribution, providing complete customization.
Comprehensive Distribution: Access to 50+ distribution channels, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and niche platforms.
Print-On-Demand (POD): Cost-effective printing with no need for large upfront print runs.
Retain 100% Royalties: Authors keep all net earnings, paying only minor distribution fees.
Fast Publishing Timeline: Projects are typically completed within 4–8 weeks.
Professional Book Design: Offers expert cover design and interior formatting for print and eBooks.
Affordable Pricing: Costs start at approximately $2,515 for essential services, with add-ons available.
Marketing Services: Optional bundles, including metadata optimization and promotion on BookBaby’s Bookshop platform.
In-House Printing: Ensures quality control and quicker turnaround times.
Accessible for First-Time Authors: Simplifies the self-publishing process with user-friendly tools and resources.

BookBaby Does Not Offer

Predefined Publishing Packages: No all-in-one solutions for authors who prefer straightforward pricing and bundled services.
Copyright Protection: Authors are responsible for managing their own copyright registration.
Comprehensive Marketing: Marketing support is limited to optional add-ons; lacks robust promotional campaigns or strategies.
Extensive Custom Formats: The standard US Trade 6″ x 9″ format may not suit all genres, and custom formats can increase costs.
Free Initial Consultation: No free consultations to guide authors before committing to services.
Interior Illustrations or Custom Design Elements: Does not include illustrations or specialized design features like infographics.
Traditional Publishing Support: BookBaby does not offer query assistance or traditional publishing pathways for authors seeking agents or publishing deals.
In-Depth Editing: While editing services are offered, developmental editing or coaching is not as extensive as some competitors.

Overview of Atmosphere Press

Founded in 2015, Atmosphere Press is a hybrid publisher based in Austin, Texas, offering a professional, collaborative approach to publishing. The company is known for blending traditional publishing standards with the freedom of self-publishing, allowing authors to retain full creative control and 90% of their royalties. Atmosphere Press caters to authors who value high-quality support throughout the publishing journey, making it especially appealing to those looking for guidance without relinquishing their rights.

Atmosphere Press excels in providing tailored publishing experiences, including manuscript editing, custom cover design, audiobook production, and global distribution through major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Their flagship publishing package, priced between $3,000 and $5,000, is comprehensive, offering end-to-end services while keeping the author at the center of the process. The company also offers à la carte options, such as book marketing, author websites, and audiobook production, to further support authors’ unique needs.

However, Atmosphere Press’s selective manuscript acceptance may be a barrier for some authors, as they only take on projects they believe have potential. Additionally, while their marketing services are available, they often require significant additional investment, and authors may need to be proactive to see strong results.

Atmosphere Press is an excellent choice for authors willing to invest in a collaborative and professional publishing process, though the higher costs and selective model may not suit every writer’s needs.

Key Features of Atmosphere Press

Hybrid Publishing Model: Combines traditional publishing standards with the creative freedom of self-publishing.
Author Royalties: Authors retain 90% of royalties, maintaining significant control over their earnings.
Comprehensive Publishing Packages: End-to-end publishing support priced between $3,000 and $5,000.
Customizable Services: Offers à la carte options, including audiobook production, custom cover design, and book marketing.
Selective Manuscript Acceptance: Ensures they work only on projects they believe in, maintaining high-quality standards.
Editorial Coaching: Provides feedback and guidance to refine manuscripts and improve overall quality.
Global Distribution: Books are made available through major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and international distributors.
Print-On-Demand (POD): Enables cost-effective book printing without the need for large initial print runs.
Collaborative Approach: Authors work closely with dedicated project managers to guide them through the process.
Custom Author Websites: Offers the option to create professional websites tailored to an author’s brand.

Atmosphere Press Does Not Offer

Guaranteed Acceptance: Manuscripts are selectively accepted, which may exclude some authors seeking publication.
Comprehensive Marketing in Base Packages: Basic marketing is included, but extensive promotional efforts require costly add-ons ($1,000–$5,000).
Low-Cost Options: The pricing starts at $3,000, making it less accessible for budget-conscious authors.
Upfront Pricing Clarity: While packages are priced, some à la carte services lack detailed cost breakdowns upfront.
Interior Illustrations or Advanced Design: Standard packages do not include interior illustrations or specialized design elements like charts or infographics.
Quick Publishing Timelines: Publishing takes 4–8 months, longer than some competitors like BookBaby.
Traditional Publishing Pathways: No support for authors seeking traditional publishing deals or literary agents.
Formatting Services Beyond Base Needs: Interior formatting is included, but specialized manuscript formatting (e.g., for complex layouts) may require external support.
Copyright Protection: Authors must handle copyright registration independently.
Marketing Guarantees: While they provide guidance and tools, they do not offer guaranteed results or extensive exposure without significant author involvement.

Top rated publishers:

9.5

Comparing Affordability/Costs

When it comes to affordability, BookBaby and Atmosphere Press offer distinctly different pricing models.

BookBaby stands out as the more budget-friendly option with its modular pricing approach. Authors can select only the services they need, starting at approximately $2,515 for a typical 50,000-word project with essential services like formatting, cover design, and Print-on-Demand (POD). This flexibility allows authors to build a publishing plan tailored to their budget, though costs can rise with add-ons such as marketing bundles or professional editing.

On the other hand, Atmosphere Press operates with a more premium price point. Their flagship publishing package ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 and includes end-to-end services like editing, cover design, and distribution. While this price includes comprehensive support, it lacks the flexibility of à la carte pricing and may feel restrictive for authors on tighter budgets. Additional services, such as audiobook production or marketing, can increase costs significantly.

Overall, BookBaby is the more affordable choice, appealing to authors seeking cost-effective solutions with full control over their publishing expenses. Atmosphere Press is better suited for authors willing to invest in a full-service publishing experience with collaborative guidance but at a higher cost.

Publishing Timelines

Publishing timelines differ significantly between BookBaby and Atmosphere Press, reflecting their unique approaches to the publishing process.

BookBaby offers a relatively short timeline, with projects typically completed within 4–8 weeks. This expedited schedule is ideal for authors who want to publish quickly, especially for straightforward projects that do not require extensive revisions or customizations. The efficiency stems from their streamlined self-publishing model, which prioritizes speed without compromising quality.

In contrast, Atmosphere Press follows a more collaborative and thorough process, taking between 4–8 months from manuscript acceptance to final publication. This longer timeline accommodates multiple rounds of editing, feedback, and revisions, as well as a personalized approach to book design and production. While this allows authors more creative involvement and ensures high-quality results, it may feel slow for those eager to launch their book.

For authors prioritizing speed, BookBaby is the clear choice, offering one of the fastest publishing timelines in the industry. However, for those who value a more deliberate, hands-on process with ample time for refinement, Atmosphere Press provides a more tailored but longer experience.

Royalties

Royalties are a key differentiator between BookBaby and Atmosphere Press, with both companies offering attractive options compared to traditional publishing.

BookBaby allows authors to retain 100% of net royalties, making it one of the most competitive choices for maximizing earnings. Authors pay only minor distribution fees, depending on the sales platform. Royalties can be withdrawn anytime, with no minimum threshold, and authors can even schedule payouts for added convenience. This flexibility ensures easy access to earnings whenever needed.

Atmosphere Press offers authors 90% of royalties, keeping a 10% share for their services. While this is lower than BookBaby, it is still significantly higher than traditional publishers, where authors often receive as little as 10–15%. Royalty payouts at Atmosphere Press are regular, but some authors have noted delays or a lack of clarity regarding payment schedules.

In terms of royalties, BookBaby has the edge with its 100% retention and flexible payout options. Atmosphere Press provides strong royalty rates as well but falls slightly behind due to the 10% share and occasional concerns with payout timing. Authors prioritizing full financial control may find BookBaby more appealing, while those seeking a collaborative publishing experience may accept Atmosphere’s model.

Marketing Services

Marketing is a crucial aspect of publishing, and both BookBaby and Atmosphere Press offer services to support authors, though their approaches differ in comprehensiveness and cost.

BookBaby provides marketing services as optional add-ons rather than including them in their publishing packages. These services include metadata optimization ($149) to improve discoverability and a Book Promotion Bundle ($399) featuring placement on BookBaby’s Bookshop platform, email marketing to over 150,000 readers, and social media promotion. While useful, these services are limited in scope and may not be enough to fully establish a book in the market. Authors seeking more comprehensive campaigns may need to invest in external support.

Atmosphere Press also offers marketing services as optional extras, with packages ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. These services include securing book reviews, organizing interviews, running targeted ad campaigns, and providing social media guidance. Additionally, Atmosphere gives authors access to a database of independent bookstores, though results depend largely on the author’s own efforts. While these services are more extensive than BookBaby’s, they are not included in standard packages and require a significant investment.

Both companies provide tools to support marketing, but they stop short of handling everything for the author. BookBaby is more affordable and straightforward, while Atmosphere Press offers greater depth but at a higher cost. Authors who find marketing challenging may need to supplement these services with their own initiatives or external professionals.

Top rated publishers:

9.5

POD & Distribution

Both BookBaby and Atmosphere Press offer Print-On-Demand (POD) services and wide distribution options, though their approaches and inclusivity within packages differ.

BookBaby

Distribution: BookBaby provides access to 50+ channels, including major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Walmart, as well as niche platforms. This ensures broad reach for both print and digital formats. Distribution is typically included in their modular pricing, though authors can choose to exclude it if not needed.

POD: BookBaby’s in-house POD service allows authors to produce books only when orders are placed, eliminating the need for large upfront print runs. This is cost-effective and reduces risks for authors with smaller-scale projects. POD is seamlessly integrated into BookBaby’s publishing process, and authors can customize trim sizes, paper types, and cover finishes to suit their needs.

Atmosphere Press

Distribution: Atmosphere Press offers global distribution, ensuring books are available on major online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. They also collaborate with international distributors to broaden market reach. Distribution is included in their flagship publishing package, making it a core part of their service. However, authors must actively market their book to drive sales, as distribution alone doesn’t guarantee visibility.

POD: Atmosphere Press also utilizes a POD model, allowing books to be printed on demand when orders are placed. This aligns with their goal of reducing upfront costs and inventory management for authors.

Comparison

While both companies provide reliable POD and distribution, BookBaby excels in offering a more tailored and modular approach to these services. Authors can choose the exact level of distribution they need without paying for unnecessary extras. In contrast, Atmosphere Press includes global distribution and POD in their higher-priced packages, offering more comprehensive support but with less flexibility.

For authors prioritizing distribution and POD as a key part of their publishing journey, BookBaby is better suited for affordability and control, while Atmosphere Press caters to those seeking an all-in-one solution with global reach.

Support Services

Both BookBaby and Atmosphere Press offer support to authors throughout the publishing process, but their levels of involvement and methods differ significantly.

BookBaby

BookBaby provides dedicated publishing specialists to assist authors, ensuring guidance at every stage. From manuscript submission to distribution, authors have access to help with technical and procedural questions. While the support is reliable, it is less hands-on compared to Atmosphere Press, as BookBaby operates primarily as a self-publishing platform. Authors who need extensive one-on-one guidance may find this level of support more limited.

Atmosphere Press

Atmosphere Press prides itself on its collaborative approach, assigning authors a dedicated project manager who works closely with them throughout the publishing journey. This hands-on support includes personalized feedback, assistance with revisions, and detailed guidance on decisions such as cover design and formatting. The project manager acts as a primary point of contact, ensuring authors feel supported and informed at every stage.

Comparison

BookBaby: Provides dependable but transactional support, best suited for authors comfortable navigating a modular self-publishing process with occasional assistance.
Atmosphere Press: Offers a more immersive and collaborative experience, ideal for authors seeking hands-on help and a personalized publishing journey.

For authors who prefer to have comprehensive guidance and a publishing partner, Atmosphere Press is the better choice. For those who value flexibility and are comfortable with less direct involvement, BookBaby provides sufficient support for independent success.

Customer Experience and Reviews

BookBaby

BookBaby has a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot, reflecting largely positive feedback from authors. Customers often praise the platform for its user-friendly process and professional-quality results, particularly for first-time authors navigating self-publishing. The ability to retain 100% royalties and the flexibility of their modular pricing are standout features in many reviews.

However, some authors note that the lack of predefined packages can make the pricing process feel confusing, requiring time to calculate total costs. A few users have reported issues with communication delays, especially when handling more complex projects. Despite this, the majority of authors find the service reliable and efficient, particularly for its fast publishing timeline.

Atmosphere Press

Atmosphere Press has a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot, with many authors highlighting the company’s collaborative and author-friendly approach. The support from dedicated project managers and the creative control authors retain are often lauded as key strengths. Authors appreciate the transparency regarding rights and royalties, as well as the high-quality production services.

On the downside, some authors express concerns about the effectiveness of marketing services and occasional delays in royalty payouts. While these issues aren’t widespread, they suggest room for improvement in certain areas. Overall, Atmosphere Press receives high marks for professionalism and support, making it a favorite among authors seeking a hands-on publishing experience.

Comparison

Both companies have strong customer ratings and positive reputations. BookBaby is preferred by authors seeking an affordable, efficient publishing process, while Atmosphere Press earns praise for its collaborative model and personalized support. Authors should choose based on their preferences for flexibility versus guided assistance.